February 2026 French Government Reshuffle Brings Key New Ministerial Appointments

The French government under Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu underwent a notable reshuffle in February 2026, with several new ministerial appointments announced by the Élysée Palace. This shake-up coincides with the upcoming municipal elections, reflecting strategic personnel changes within the cabinet.

Catherine Pégard, previously president of the Palace of Versailles and a cultural advisor at the Élysée, replaced Rachida Dati as Minister of Culture. Pégard, known for her discretion and trusted by President Emmanuel Macron, faces immediate challenges such as restoring the Louvre's reputation after the theft of the Crown jewels in October and addressing budget cuts impacting museums alongside the public audiovisual reform. She had been quietly preparing for this role over the past six months.

Another significant appointment is Sabrina Agresti-Roubache as Minister Delegate for Education and Vocational Training. Her return to government comes nearly two years after a legislative defeat. Previously Secretary of State for Citizenship and City in the Borne III government, Roubache withdrew from elections to avoid a National Rally victory. Her reappointment, perceived as influenced by Macron himself who has maintained a close relationship with her since 2016, also expanded recently to include Citizenship duties after a prior officeholder resigned.

Other new arrivals include Maud Bregeon, who assumes the dual role of Minister Delegate for Energy while continuing as government spokesperson, Camille Galliard-Minier, appointed Minister Delegate for Autonomy and Persons with Disabilities replacing Charlotte Parmentier-Lecocq, and Jean-Didier Berger from Les Républicains who joins the Interior Ministry alongside Laurent Nunez.

According to the Élysée, this cabinet reshuffle is termed a "technical adjustment" by Prime Minister Lecornu, but the selection of trusted allies signals a tighter alignment within the executive branch ahead of key municipal polls. The changes aim at reinvigorating ministries handling critical cultural, social, and energy portfolios while reinforcing government communication and internal security efforts.